Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
PEOPLE with Disabilities (PWDs) have praised the Second Republic’s efforts to improve their welfare through various initiatives, describing them as a significant step towards achieving the Vision 2030 philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind.”
The Government’s initiatives — including the National Disability Policy, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the five-year Costed Action Plan — have been widely welcomed by PWDs, who say they now feel recognised and integrated into the country’s socio-economic development agenda.
In an interview last week, Senator Annah Shiri, who represents Persons with Disabilities in Parliament and serves as President of the National Council of Persons with Disabilities in Zimbabwe (NCDPZ), expressed optimism about the tangible progress under the Second Republic, citing increased inclusivity and participation in national development.
She stated that the Second Republic has championed a rights based approach for persons with disabilities.
“His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe launched the National Disability Policy on 9 June 2021. This policy aligns with Zimbabwe’s Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to promoting, protecting, and respecting the rights of PWDs,” she said.
Sen Shiri noted that last year, the Second Republic gazetted the new Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, replacing the 1992 law — a major milestone in advancing disability rights.
“This legislation seeks to promote the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities, ensuring non-discrimination, reasonable accommodation and equal participation in all aspects of society. It also guarantees free legal aid for indigent PWDs and mandates disability-sensitivity training for police, prosecutors, and judicial officers,” she said.
She further highlighted that the Government, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, has implemented a comprehensive five-year Costed Action Plan (2024–2028) to operationalise the National Disability Policy and promote inclusion across the country’s economic, social and political spheres.
“This plan provides a concrete framework to turn policy aspirations into measurable actions, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to disability-inclusive budgeting and effective implementation,” Sen Shiri said.
She added that the plan strengthens national efforts to build an inclusive society where PWDs can fully exercise their rights, access opportunities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“The establishment of Provincial Disability Co-ordination Committees in all provinces is a key milestone. These decentralised bodies facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the National Disability Policy at provincial and district levels, ensuring disability inclusion is mainstreamed across local Government, public services, and community initiatives,” she stated.
Furthermore, Sen Shiri explained that these committees focus on aligning provincial strategies with national frameworks, strengthening stakeholder engagement and promoting knowledge sharing to enhance inclusive development and service delivery.
She also emphasised the Government’s initiative to pay university and vocational training fees for students with disabilities, a measure designed to promote inclusivity and improve educational access.
“Over 1 000 students are benefitting from this programme, enabling them to pursue their academic and career ambitions. Through the Basic Education Assistance Module (Beam), the Ministry facilitates fee payments from early childhood development through to secondary school, alleviating financial barriers and opening new opportunities for students with disabilities,” she said.
Sen Shiri highlighted ongoing efforts to procure assistive devices, which have significantly improved mobility, communication and overall quality of life for more than 800 individuals, empowering them to live independently and participate actively in their communities.
“Providing assistive devices has not only enhanced their lives but also enabled greater community engagement. This initiative promotes inclusivity, diversity and equality,” she added.
She also noted Government support for Self Help Income Generating Projects (IGPs) through a revolving loan facility aimed at creating jobs, stimulating economic growth and supporting small and medium enterprises.
“Additionally, through the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, cash transfers are provided to vulnerable households, including those with PWDs. Drought relief measures, such as grain supplies, also assist families in rural areas affected by drought,” she said.
Sen Shiri said the current policy framework — comprising the National Disability Policy and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2025 — represents a major step forward. It adopts a human rights approach that promotes non-discrimination, equality, accessible public spaces and employment quotas for Government and parastatal organisations.
“However, challenges remain on the ground. While the legal and policy frameworks are largely in place, practical compliance and enforcement require stronger funding, monitoring, and outreach to translate commitments into tangible improvements,” she noted.
Turning to the African Union’s Plan of Action on Albinism, Sen Shiri revealed that Zimbabwe’s upcoming Reviewed National Disability Policy will serve as a comprehensive framework encompassing all impairment types — physical, sensory, intellectual, mental and albinism — by integrating the existing Costed Action Plan (2024–2028) with the AU’s four pillars on albinism (2021–2031).
“This integrated approach aims to create a comprehensive, impairment-specific policy that aligns with UNCRPD standards and addresses unique challenges faced by all persons with disabilities, including those with albinism,” she added
